Foremost auction house, Arthouse Contemporary is billed to open the 13th edition of its auction of modern and contemporary art works sourced from private collectors across Africa.
While shedding light on the 13th edition of the auction, Kavita Chellaram, CEO Arthouse said the auction will feature 115 lots of artworks from 1955-2014, spanning the mediums of painting, sculpture, mixed media and photography. She explained that notable artworks from the modern period to be auctioned in this edition include: El Enatsui’s ‘The Mask’ (1978), Ben Enwonwu’s ‘Elongated Female Figure’ (1978) and ‘Ututu’ Morning Meeting of the Chiefs at Old Asaba (1970), Yusuf Grillo’s ‘Hawker in Blue (1964), and Bruce Onobrakpeya’s ‘Totems of the Delta (2003).
Chellaram disclosed that artists featured for the first time include Muri Adejimi, Cyril Omamogho, Tchif, Mohammed Abba-Gana, Samuel Ajobiewe, Abiola Idowo, Sam Maduike, Nengi Omuku, Julien Sinzogan (Beninese), Silas Adeoye.
“We are pleased to announce the creation of Arthouse Foundation, a non-profit organization that aims to encourage the creative development of contemporary art in Nigeria. Through a residency-based program, the Arthouse foundation provides a platform for artists to expand their practice and experiment with new art forms and ideas,” she explained.
She added that by establishing a network that supports cross-cultural exchange between Nigeria and international artists, the foundation embraces contemporary art as an educational model to engage communities, promote social dialogue and advance the critical discourse of artistic practices.
Chellaram further explained that Arthouse Foundation has inaugurated this year its support for Nigerian artists in their participation in the arts program abroad. Some of the beneficiaries include Victoria Udondian’s graduate study at Columbia University in New York. The foundation has also secured residencies for Uchay Joel Chima and Tayo Olayode at the Vermont Studio Centre and Chibuike Uzoma in Vienna, Austria.
“This auction will include a selection of artworks that have been generously donated to support the Arthouse Foundation from artists including Yetunde Ayeni-Babaeko, Uchay Joel Chima, Tayo Olayode and Arthouse Contemporary Limited,” she said.
Nana Sonoik, manager, Arthouse revealed that Arthouse Contemporary has expanded its scope to include Arthouse-The Space, which organises exhibitions for contemporary art outside the auction, adding that the space recently opened an exhibition of Nigerian photographer, George Osodi entitled ‘Transgrexion,’ which took place at the Renault Showroom in Victoria Island and was sponsored by Renault Nigeria.
Works will be on display at the Wheatbaker hotel for viewing in anticipation for the auction on Saturday, November 1, 2014 from 11am to 6pm, Sunday, November 2nd from 12am to 6pm and Monday November 3 from 10am to 1pm. The auction will be led by notable auctioneer, John Dabney. The previous auction in May 2014 made a total sale of N85,334,000 with a total of 75 lots sold.
With auctions held twice a year, Arthouse Contemporary an international auction house that focuses on modern and contemporary art from West Africa aims to create awareness to the scope of contemporary art in the region, encourage international recognition towards its talented artists and strengthen the economy of its art market.
IFEOMA OKEKE
